TRUE NATURE Pilgrimage
Kumano kodo PILGRIMAGE TRAIL
KII PENINSULA, japan
Journey to the ancient pilgrimage trail walked for over 1,000 years.
A place of inspiration. The Kumano Kodo.
Immerse yourself in the mountains, forests and rivers woven across the
Kii Peninsula and embrace the revelation and inspiration of the journey.
Wake up to the call and invitation to the pilgrim trail from kites soaring above the valleys, signifying the beginning of your days in the forest.
Embrace the progression of the path, the purity of the rivers flow and the breeze through the forest trees that smoothes and cools the skin.
Overlap with fellow pilgrims along the trail on their many life journeys, all moving towards your shared destination.
Every moment on the Kumano invites you to deepen into the trail, cleansing and purifying, to reveal the possibility and truth within, ready to be expressed — amidst the community, culture of Japan and ancient history and inspiration of the Kumano Kodo.
The True Nature Pilgrimage - Kumano Kodo is all about letting the natural world and rhythm of the trail transform and inspire, revealing your most authentic expression and true loves.
Guided by Matty, you’ll embark on this ancient pilgrimage - a challenging journey in awe inspiring landscapes, while diving into the curated program and practices designed to connect you with your true nature and true loves in this one beautiful life.
Join an intimate group of like minded pilgrims, each with their own stories and intentions, to share the journey with. Your paths overlapping each day as the experience and connections unfold.
Together, we’ll find our individual and shared rhythm on the trail and experience, discovering the magic that happens when you truly embrace the natural world around you.
This 9 day experience encompasses the point to point pilgrimage across 5 days, 80 kilometers, elevated and expansive views, and culminates for integration and celebration in Kyoto.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
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5 day guided point to point hike across Kumano Kodo Nakehechi pilgrimage trail from Takijiri Oji to Nachu Taishi.
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3 days exploring the cultural centre Kyoto to integrate the experience and celebrate the journey.
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A community of fellow pilgrims sharing the journey, challenge and environment together.
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Traditional and unique Japanese accomodation along the trail (Ryoken, Hostels, Farm Stays, Hostels).
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Cultural experiences and local onsens.
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Fresh, local Japanese breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
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Celebration Dinner in Kyoto.
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The True Nature program featuring exercises and practices designed to reveal and cultivate personal true natural and true loves.
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Tools and practices to take home, helping you stay connected and integrate the experience, insights and community. Including a bespoke Journey Journal.
Do you feel called to this life changing challenge, pilgrim?
This pilgrimage is for those who feel called to take on a challenging, beautiful and inspiring journey with like minded souls, immerse in forests, natural beauty and heritage of this ancient trail as the environment and context for the revealing of our most authentic expressions.
Days: 9
DATES: APRIL 2026
GROUP: 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE
DESTINATION: Kumano Kodo Japan
INVESTMENT: $5,500 AUD*
VISUAL JOURNEY
Itinerary
YOUR GUIDES
DAY 1
Welcome to Osaka
Arrival into Osaka Kansai International Airport. Afternoon welcome with guides and fellow pilgrims. Accomodation in Rinku Town.
DAY 2
Takajiri to Takahara
Individual morning reflection. Transport from Rinku Town to Takijiri (via Tanabe) Commence the first stage of the pilgrimage. 4.2km hike, elevation gain 407m. Community connection circle. Staying at the Kiri-no-Sato Takahara Lodge.
DAY 3
Takahara to Chikatsuyu
Individual morning reflection. Second stage of the pilgrimage. 13km hike, 865m elevation gain. Community connection circle. Staying at the Minshuku Chikatsuyu.
DAY 4
Chikatsuyu to Yunomine Onsen (via Hongu Taisha)
Individual morning reflection. Third stage of the pilgrimage 22.4km hike, 834m elevation gain. Visit the Hongu Taisha and Oyunohara Torii Gate. Community connection circle. Staying at Ryokan Yunomineso.
DAY 5
Yunomine Onsen to Koguchi
Individual morning reflection. Third stage of the pilgrimage 23.4km hike, 737m elevation gain. Community connection circle. Staying at Koguchi Shizen-no-Ie.
DAY 6
Koguchi to Kumano Nachi Taisha
Individual morning reflection. Fifth and final stage of the pilgrimage. 16km hike, 1,193m elevation gain. Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi waterfall. Community connection circle. Staying at Hotel Urashima (bus to Katsuura)
DAY 7
Katsuura to Kyoto
Individual morning reflection. Train from Katsuura to Kyoto. Twilight walk through historic Kyoto streets and community dinner. Accomodation in central Kyoto (TBC)
DAY 8
Experience Kyoto
Individual morning reflection. Local cultural experiences and activities throughout Kyoto. Celebration event and evening. Accomodation in central Kyoto (TBC)
DAY 9
Returning home
Morning community connection circle and close off experience. Departures.
*Includes; 8 nights accomodation, Meals (Breakfast, Lunch Packs & Dinner on trail), Trail Transfers, Celebration Dinner Meal in Kyoto, True Nature Program, Tools and guidance, Guides, First Aid Support.
*Excludes; Flights and transfers to Osaka, additional food and drinks, personal insurance, extra activities.
matty lawrence
Matty is the founder of More Than Happy.
A lover of the trails, adventures and what they inspire. A student of words and what they reveal.
RICH BOLUS
Rich Bolus brings extensive experience in leadership, adventure, and Japanese culture to his role as assistant guide on the journey.
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